Denmark receives global award as international green leader
The Gift to the Earth, WWF’s prestigious award for conservation leadership, was presented to Denmark on October 21st, at the Global Green Growth Forum, in Copenhagen. The award was offered to Danish PM Ms Helle Thorning-Schmidt by Jim Leape, WWF International Director General.
Denmark has a long tradition of leadership in green policy and innovation, which has continued unharmed during the economic crisis. In August, the Danish Government included in the 2014 national budget spending of 800 million kroner (?107 million €) on nature conservation and resource efficiency. This important investment in a greener future was invigorated by the announcement of “The Danish Climate Plan: Towards a low carbon society” (CrisisWatch #18). As stated in the preamble of the climate plan, “[t]he Danish government intends to demonstrate that an ambitious climate policy can be reconciled with economic growth and good framework conditions for the business community. This is the only way that our ambitious reduction commitment will inspire others.”
“We know that the world’s current economic growth model is no longer sustainable. Denmark is demonstrating strong leadership by showing the potential for long-term sustainable growth through the development of renewable energy and energy efficient solutions” stated Jim Leape.